Functional Groups
Functional Groups of Organic Compounds
A functional group is a specific arrangement of atoms in the HC derivative other than carbon and hydrogen. Literally, the functional group determines the functions of the particular HC derivative in chemical reactions. This means that the specific properties of the HC derivative are due to its functional group. Each functional group is attached to an alkyl radical (R). An alkyl radical is one H atom less than the given alkane. The alkyl radical (R) uses the general formula CnH2n+1
Table of Common Functional Groups
ALCOHOLS
Organic compounds that contain one or more hydroxyl groups .
General formula for a class of organic compounds:
Consists of the functional group and the letter R which stands for the rest of the molecule
General formula for alcohols : R–OH
Hydroxyl group, –OH,
Makes alcohols able to hydrogen-bond makes them soluble in water
Uses of Alcohols:
Lotions, creams, and cosmetics usually contain an alcohol called glycerol to keep them moist
Alternative fuels
Ex: gasohol, a one-to-nine ratio of ethanol and gasoline
Simple alcohols – Ethanol ; Poisonous to some extent
Examples:
Methanol is used for the manufacture of plastics and synthetic fibers. When an –OH group is substituted for one hydrogen atom in ethane, the resulting alcohol is ethanol. Ethanol is a good solvent for many organic solutes that cannot dissolve in water. Alcoholic beverages contain ethanol.
Gasohol is a mixture of 10% ethanol and gasoline. It is used as a fuel or automobile that was developed in response to the energy crisis-way back 1970. Cereal grains like corn are fermented to produce ethanol.
Alcohol Nomenclature
Name Parent hydrocarbon:
Longest chain containing hydroxyl group
Drop –e, add –ol
More than one hydroxyl group
2 -diol
3 -triol
Number so hydroxyl group has lowest number possible
Insert number immediately before name of parent hydrocarbon
Common Names Chemical Formula | IUPAC
A functional group is a specific arrangement of atoms in the HC derivative other than carbon and hydrogen. Literally, the functional group determines the functions of the particular HC derivative in chemical reactions. This means that the specific properties of the HC derivative are due to its functional group. Each functional group is attached to an alkyl radical (R). An alkyl radical is one H atom less than the given alkane. The alkyl radical (R) uses the general formula CnH2n+1
Table of Common Functional Groups
ALCOHOLS
Organic compounds that contain one or more hydroxyl groups .
General formula for a class of organic compounds:
Consists of the functional group and the letter R which stands for the rest of the molecule
General formula for alcohols : R–OH
Hydroxyl group, –OH,
Makes alcohols able to hydrogen-bond makes them soluble in water
Uses of Alcohols:
Lotions, creams, and cosmetics usually contain an alcohol called glycerol to keep them moist
Alternative fuels
Ex: gasohol, a one-to-nine ratio of ethanol and gasoline
Simple alcohols – Ethanol ; Poisonous to some extent
Examples:
Methanol is used for the manufacture of plastics and synthetic fibers. When an –OH group is substituted for one hydrogen atom in ethane, the resulting alcohol is ethanol. Ethanol is a good solvent for many organic solutes that cannot dissolve in water. Alcoholic beverages contain ethanol.
Gasohol is a mixture of 10% ethanol and gasoline. It is used as a fuel or automobile that was developed in response to the energy crisis-way back 1970. Cereal grains like corn are fermented to produce ethanol.
Alcohol Nomenclature
Name Parent hydrocarbon:
Longest chain containing hydroxyl group
Drop –e, add –ol
More than one hydroxyl group
2 -diol
3 -triol
Number so hydroxyl group has lowest number possible
Insert number immediately before name of parent hydrocarbon
Common Names Chemical Formula | IUPAC